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Hypotheses 1

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6 views

Hypotheses 1

Uploaded by

Aaru Sharma
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Hypothesis?

A hypothesis is an assumption that is made based on some evidence. This is the initial
point of any investigation that translates the research questions into predictions. It
includes components like variables, population and the relation between the variables. A
research hypothesis is a hypothesis that is used to test the relationship between two or
more variables.
Characteristics of Hypothesis

Following are the characteristics of the hypothesis:


The hypothesis should be clear and precise to consider it to be reliable.

It should be logical .

It should be testable.

If the hypothesis is a relational hypothesis, then it should be stating the relationship


between variables.

The hypothesis must be specific and should have scope for conducting more tests.

The way of explanation of the hypothesis must be very simple and it should also be
understood that the simplicity of the hypothesis is not related to its significance.

It should be economical

It should be relevant

Sources of Hypothesis
Following are the sources of hypothesis:

The resemblance between the phenomenon.

Observations from past studies, present-day experiences and from the competitors.

Scientific theories.

General patterns that influence the thinking process of people.

Types of Hypothesis

There are six forms of hypothesis and they are:

Simple hypothesis

Complex hypothesis

Directional hypothesis

Non-directional hypothesis
Null hypothesis

Associative and casual hypothesis

Simple Hypothesis

It shows a relationship between one dependent variable and a single independent variable.
For example – If you eat more vegetables, you will lose weight faster. Here, eating more
vegetables is an independent variable, while losing weight is the dependent variable.

Complex Hypothesis

It shows the relationship between two or more dependent variables and two or more
independent variables. Eating more vegetables and fruits leads to weight loss, glowing skin,
and reduces the risk of many diseases such as heart disease.

Directional Hypothesis

It shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome. The


relationship between the variables can also predict its nature. For example- children aged
four years eating proper food over a five-year period are having higher IQ levels than
children not having a proper meal. This shows the effect and direction of the effect.

Non-directional Hypothesis

It is used when there is no theory involved. It is a statement that a relationship exists


between two variables, without predicting the exact nature (direction) of the relationship.

Null Hypothesis

It provides a statement which is contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement, and
there is no relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is
denoted by “HO”.

Associative and Causal Hypothesis


Associative hypothesis occurs when there is a change in one variable resulting in a change
in the other variable. Whereas, the causal hypothesis proposes a cause and effect
interaction between two or more variables.

Examples of Hypothesis

Following are the examples of hypotheses based on their types:

Consumption of sugary drinks every day leads to obesity is an example of a simple


hypothesis.

All lilies have the same number of petals is an example of a null hypothesis.

If a person gets 7 hours of sleep, then he will feel less fatigue than if he sleeps less. It is an
example of a directional hypothesis.

Functions of Hypothesis

Following are the functions performed by the hypothesis:

Hypothesis helps in making an observation and experiments possible.

It becomes the start point for the investigation.

Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.

It helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction.

Role

A hypothesis is a fundamental part of political research, and it plays a key role in the
research process:

Guides research

A hypothesis gives a study direction by outlining what to study and the relationship to be
found between variables.

Helps formulate research questions

A hypothesis helps to formulate research questions and plan methods.

Organizes testing
A hypothesis helps to organize the testing process from the beginning to the end of the
study.

Builds theories

Developing and testing hypotheses is key to building precise and persuasive theories.

A basic tool

Hypothesis testing is a basic tool in political science studies, especially in quantitative


political science.

Researchers use hypotheses to put down their thoughts directing how the experiment
would take place. Following are the steps that are involved in the scientific method:

Formation of question

Doing background research

Creation of hypothesis

Designing an experiment

Collection of data

Result analysis

Summarizing the experiment

Communicating the results


Importance

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